Preceding Sunday, December 20, 2015

Transcription

1 Preceding Sunday, December 20, 2015 Emmanuel Lutheran Church 1036 W A Street, Moscow, ID Phone: Fax: emmanuelmoscowid@gmail.com Church Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 6 AM 2:30 PM (unless otherwise noted.) Issue #: God's Heart Toward Us Bryon and Ruthie were unemployed one December. Wan ng their seven children to have gi s to open on Christmas morning, they took $20 and shopped diligently at the thri store, finding seven small items to place under a ny tree they d found in a field. Feeling desperate about all their other needs and guilty for praying for presents, the couple asked God to bless their kids. On Christmas Eve, a couple they barely knew, friends of friends from church, called and asked to stop by. They pulled up in a 15 passenger van and asked if Bryon and Ruthie s kids could help carry in a couple of things. In fact, the rear seats had been removed and the vehicle was filled with packages and groceries. The next morning, the family unwrapped goodies both prac cal and fun. We felt as if the Lord was saying, This is my heart toward you. I want to bless you, Bryon writes. It is the Lord s heart to bless his children. God Among Us The claim that Chris anity makes for Christmas is that at a par cular me and place God came to be with us himself. When Quirinius was governor of Syria, in a town called Bethlehem, a child was born who, beyond the power of anyone to account for, was the high and lo y One made low and helpless. The One who inhabits eternity comes to dwell in me. The One whom none can look upon and live is delivered in a stable under the so, indifferent gaze of ca le. The Father of all mercies puts himself at our mercy. Frederick Buechner Adapted from Miracles: 32 True Stories, Joanie Hileman

2 Lessons from the Angels To frightened shepherds on the first Christmas Eve, a host of angels sang, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men (Luke 2:14, KJV). Nineteenth century minister Charles Kingsley explained how these key words tell the meaning of Jesus birth and give meaning to our lives. Glory. That li le babe, lying in the manger among the ca le, was showing the very highest glory of the great God who had made heaven and earth. To stoop, to condescend, to have mercy, to forgive that is the highest glory of God. Peace. God is not selfish. He sacrificed himself for us. Sacrifice yourselves then for each other! Give up your own pride, your own selfishness, your own interest for each other, and you will be all at peace. Good will. God loves you, and he wills to raise you out of this selfish, quarrelsome life of sin, into a loving, brotherly, peaceful life of righteousness. That babe in the manger at Bethlehem is a sign to you and me that God will freely give us that spirit of love if we ask for it. Published in: The NEWSLETTER Newsle er, December 2013 Sunday Morning Ed Opps Join on Sunday mornings for: J.A.M. for children through age 12. Following the Children s Sermon, J.A.M. leaders will escort the kiddos down to the Fellowship Hall for cra s, games, songs, and a snack. Children will return to the Sanctuary just prior to Holy Communion. Prayer Pieces Book Study Sunday mornings at 8:30 in The Gallery. We will be reading several of the stories from The Book of God by Walter Wangerin, Jr. during Advent and into the New Year. This is the Bible as you have never read it before told with passion and depth. We are beginning with the story of Mary. Please come join us whether you "knit or not." It is available through Amazon paperback for $15.70 or on Kindle for $5.99. Contact Carol Nelson with ques ons at cjnelson@lcsc.edu. Sunday s Scripture Segments Scripture readings for this Sunday, December 20, The Fourth Sunday of Advent, are: Micah 5:2 5a The prophet Micah, having pronounced judgment upon Judah, speaks of a future shepherd king who, like David, will come from the small town of Bethlehem. (Ephrathah refers to the area around Bethlehem.) This king will restore Israel and bring peace. New Testament writers understood this passage to be referring to Jesus. Hebrews 10:5 10 The author of Hebrews uses the image of religious sacrifice to convey the significance of Christ s coming. Through obedient acceptance of God s will, Christ allows his own body to become the greatest sacrifice of all, one through which we are made a holy people. Luke 1:39 45 We are presented with Elizabeth, John s mother, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, two women filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith. In Elizabeth s inspired gree ng and Mary s song of praise we hear of a saving God who remembers, sca ers, li s up, and fulfills all things. Sermon Title: Poetry Song Mary s Song Pastor Dave Daugs

3 TEACHING FAMILIES ABOUT FAITH PRACTICES THAT SURROUND THE SEASON OF ADVENT Join us on Wednesday, December 16, for our last Advent Evening! If you need a ride to church please let the church office know. Dinner hosted by Youth & Family Mission Group on Wed, 12/16, 5:30 PM, then 6:00 to 6:50 PM Advent Faith Prac ces. JOIN US! ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ NEEDED: OUTDOOR NATIVITY SCENE! We are hoping someone has an outdoor na vity scene, stuffed away in their basement or garage, that can be used at our church home during this blessed season. We plan to have it placed at the lower entrance of Emmanuel to make a special, though ul, entryway for all who come here for preschool and our joyous Christmas events. If you (or someone you know) has one available to donate (or borrow) or if you felt called to purchase one for dona on to Emmanuel, please contact CindyMarie or Pastor Daugs. Thank you! SEND US YOUR SANTA PHOTOS! BE PART OF OUR SANTA SLIDESHOW! Throughout the month of January, Emmanuel Youth and Family will be running a slideshow of members pictures with Santa during Fellowship. Whether full of smiles or tears, taken this year or in Christmases past, we are looking for a wide variety of pictures to share. Pictures can be sent electronically to Kathy Foss at klanefoss@gmail.com or please feel free to bring your printed copies to Kathy at church on Sunday. Please submit all photos by Christmas Eve OFFERING ENVELOPES ARE HERE and ready for you to pick up. You ll find them in the Bridge area. If you don t find a box with your name on it, let us know in the office. We will get you one. Thanks! LUTHYOUTH IN THE NEW YEAR! Last day of winter break me for a FUN DAY! Mon, Jan. 4, 1 4 PM, at ELC. Ques ons? Contact Lisa Allen at emmanuel.luthyouth@gmail.com. PALOUSE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY is nearing comple on of their current project in Moscow and has requested our help cleaning up construc on dust so the family can move in. If you are able to help January 16 or 23, please contact Anne Peterson at ATTENTION FAMILIES WITH PRESCHOOL AGE CHILDREN: Emmanuel Lutheran Preschool is now accep ng early priority registra on for Emmanuel Lutheran Church members for the fall of We will open registra on to con nuing families in January and to the public in February. Registra on forms are available on our website at emmanuelmoscow.org or by contac ng the preschool's director, Nikki Cox, at Thanks! SAVE THE DATE... Emmanuel's Day Camp/VBS is scheduled for June 13 17, Ques ons can be directed to Janet Williams or Deb Marsh. JOIN THE EMMANUEL MEALS PROGRAM! If you would be willing to provide occasional meals, or if you or someone you know would like meal delivery during illness or recupera on, please Anne Peterson at shor emom@live.com or leave a message at JOB OPPORTUNITY: Senior member needs errand runner/care giver a few hours a week. Transporta on required. Paid. Please contact CindyMarie in the church office for more informa on or emmanuelmoscowid@gmail.com Please Remember In Prayer Our Emmanuel Prayers & Concerns Sheet is printed the first issue of each month in the Emphasis: Weekly Edi on. You can also pick up an updated copy every Sunday from the Prayer & Concerns Bulle n Display located in the Narthex. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Thanks to Emmanuel Choir for hos ng our 12/9 Mid Week Advent Soup Supper! Yumm! ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Thanks to Deb Dumroese for arranging the Poinse as in the Sanctuary! It looks GREAT! ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Yolanda Wya s black, 3/4 length coat came up missing a er church two Sundays ago. There is a pair of black gloves in the right pocket. If you picked it up by mistake, please let her or the office know. Thanks! ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Happy Birthday this week to: Suzanne Wilson Happy Anniversary to: Barbara & Chesley Taylor 12/23/1989 SUNDAY MORNING ED OPPS Prayer Pieces Book Study Sunday mornings, 8:30, in The Gallery. All are welcome! J.A.M. Jesus And Me! For children through age 12. Following the Children s Sermon. Children will return to the Sanctuary just prior to Holy Communion. Confirma on Class For students grades Next class is January 3, 2016, every 1 st and 3 rd Sunday, with Pastor Daugs from 11:30 AM 12:30 PM, in the 4 year olds classroom

4 Thank you for your service THIS Sunday December 20, 2015 Ministers: The Congrega on Presiding: Pastor Daugs Dir. Of Music: Janet McIntosh Organist: Gail Grubbs Altar Guild / Bread: Deb Dumroese Acolyte: Grace Allen Altar Flowers: NA Assis ng Minister: Deb Stone Communion Assist: Julie Spangler Anne Peterson Counters: Gwen Mitchell Heidi Bi erwolf Fellowship: Larry & Carol Lass Roger & Gen Long Deb & Brian Marsh Neil & Jan Mar n Greeter: Anne & Kevin Peterson J.A.M. Leader: Chie Barker J.A.M. Assistant: Deb Wya Reader: Lisa Bender Ushers: Vern Kinnison Debbie Stone Noell Swearingen Kurt Olsson Charlene Olsson Wednesday Dec 16 Thursday Dec 17 Friday Dec 18 Saturday Dec 19 Sunday Dec 20 Monday Dec 21 Tuesday Dec 22 Wednesday Dec 23 Thursday Dec 24 Friday Dec 25 Saturday Dec 26 Sunday Dec 27 Monday Dec 28 Tuesday Dec 29 Wednesday Dec 30 Thursday Dec 31 Friday Jan 1, 2016 PS: Music 5:30 PM Mid Week Advent Supper (Hall) 6:00 PM Mid Week Advent Worship (Hall) 7:00 PM Emmanuel Bells 9:00 AM Music with Gillian (Bridge) 6:00 PM PS Christmas Program 6:30 PM Adult Choir Fourth Sunday of Advent Readings: Micah 5:2 5a; Luke 1:46b 55; Hebrews 10:5 10; Luke 1: :30 AM Adult Chris an Educa on (Hall) 9:30 AM Worship Service 11:00 AM Fellowship (Hall) 2:30 PM Interfaith Worship Aspen park Pastor Off 6:00 AM Weekly Publica on Deadline 6:00 PM ELC PS Exec. Mtg (TBD) 5:00 PM Teen Council (Hall) 5:30 PM Adult Choir 6:45 PM Emmanuel Bells Christmas Eve Readings: Isaiah 9:2 7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11 14; Luke 2:1 14 [15 20] 3:45 PM Adult Choir 4:30 PM Christmas Eve Worship Merry Christmas! First Sunday of Christmas Readings: 1 Samuel 2:18 20, 26; Psalm 148; Colossians 3:12 17; Luke 2: :30 AM Worship Service 11:00 AM Fellowship (Hall) Pastor Off 6:00 AM Weekly Publica on Deadline 6:00 PM Emmanuel Preschool Board Mee ng (Hall) 5:30 PM Adult Choir 6:45 PM Emmanuel Bells New Year s Eve New Year's Day

5 November 2015 FINANCIAL REPORT With the addi on of the roof loan, income needs to average about $28,100 per month to meet budget. Income from the general fund in November totaled $29,465 and expenses were $23,864. As a result, the opera ng income for November totaled $5,601 and general fund deficit year to date has decreased to $26,995. The balance on the roof replacement loan today is $65,202 and our monthly payment is $987. To date, the congrega on has contributed a total of $29,325 toward this much needed care of our facility. Currently, we have raised $29, worth of roof! You can buy a square of shingles for $1,000. (or a 1/2 square for $500, a 1/4 square for $250) For information or to contribute, please contact: Jon Kimberling or Bob Ritter Stewardship ac vi es have been a focal point in recent weeks. Sunday November 22 nd was Miracle Sunday. There was great par cipa on by the congrega on. Since that date, three different mailings have gone out to the congrega on. Our hope is that the focus on Stewardship will improve the financial results for December and further reduce the deficit for Thanks to everyone for their con nued generosity. Jon Kimberling and Gwen Mitchell Treasurers To track how much roof we ve raised, see the diagrams that look like this, found in the Fellowship Hall and Narthex!

6 ELCW Piecemakers Help us quilt! Bring a friend! Have some lunch! Join us on Wednesday, January 13 & 27, at 9 AM, to help e quilts, then share a potluck lunch with us at noon. We usually meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays. Contact Gretchen Isakson at or gretchenisakson@yahoo.com Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might. Ecclesiastes 9:10 Grandmas! We Need You To Read! We are searching for some Grandmas and Grandpas to spend some quality me reading to our Emmanuel Lutheran Preschool students. Would you be willing to dedicate a half hour or so, once or twice a week, enriching the lives and literacy of our preschool students? For more informa on, please contact our Preschool Director, Nikki Cox, at or emmanuellutheranpreschool@gmail.com ELCW Circle News If you are not already involved in a Circle, you should check them out! Read below for mee ng mes and who to contact with ques ons! MARY Circle MARY Circle usually meets the first Monday of the month. The group will meet on Monday, January 4, 1:30, PM, at Good Samaritan. Ques ons? Call Dorothy Schnaible LEAH Circle LEAH Circle usually meets the first Tuesday of the month for devo ons and a potluck lunch. The group will meet on Tuesday, January 5, 2016, at 11:30 AM (place TBD.) Bible Study leader will be Gen Long. Ques ons? Jeane e Johnston , or Charlene Olsson Here is a win win way to help support our Emmanuel Lutheran Preschool and finally make some free space in your garage! We are accep ng dona ons of your RV, Car, Pickup, or ATV to raise funds so our Emmanuel Preschool kids can experience a bright educa onal beginning in a loving Chris an environment! If you have: an old car taking up space in your driveway, or an old truck that is taking up valuable shop space, or an ATV that is in the way of the new planter box you want to build, ANY vehicle you wish to donate all or part of its sale, let us sell it for you! Help provide a safe fun place for our kids to learn, play, and grow. Please contact Steve Fountain, Jeff Hill, Craig Greenwalt, Pastor Daugs, or the Church Office ( ). We would love to hear from you! You can avoid the hassles of selling a car No need to pay he y repair bills Free up space in your garage 100% tax deduc ble

7 Did you know? Emmanuel purchases complimentary subscrip ons of some fantas c monthly devo onals just for YOU! That s right! Every quarter the church purchases Portals of Prayer by Concordia Publishing House, and Christ In Our Home by Augsburg Fortress. These booklets are filled with daily devo ons which feature a Bible reading, medita on, and prayer, in an easy to read format. Each devo on is great for personal study and reflec on, private family worship, and can be used to open mee ngs or launch Bible studies. These devo ons encourage readers to live out their faith daily. Both publica ons come in a handy pocket size or a large print format. Copies can be found in the publica on rack upstairs in the narthex, and there are copies in the Church Office as well. What are you wai ng for? The January March 2016 issues are here!

8 TEACHING FAMILIES ABOUT FAITH PRACTICES THAT SURROUND THE SEASON OF ADVENT! This has been our 2015 Mid Week Advent theme. This year Advent Soup Suppers focused on families, especially families with li le children. We shared many faith prac ces for the home at our 2015 Advent Soup Suppers. Such as: Advent Calendars, Advent Wreaths, Candle Ligh ng, Gi Sharing, Na vity Scenes, The Christmas Story Characters, Family Cra s, Children s Books Advent Devo onals, The Good Year Tire or Wagon Wheel, Advent Games, Holden Evening Prayer (The song of Mary), and Hymns. Each evening we shared an Advent faith prac ce with hands on learning ac vi es that children, families, and adults all enjoyed. There was also a me for you to Pass On and Tell your Advent Faith Tradi on. Dinners at 5:30 PM, the Wednesdays of Advent, were hosted by the following ELC groups: Wed, 12/2 Church Council; Wed, 12/9 Emmanuel Choir; Wed, 12/16 Youth & Family Mission Group. Followed by our Advent Faith Prac ces from 6 6:50 PM

9 What would like to do? Here s an idea! Make a posi ve impact on the Sunday experience of all who enter here! There is no fast rule, but usually this servant opportunity is reserved for our younger members. There is a special significance to what the acolyte does. First, an acolyte lights the candles. This signifies that the Holy Spirit is in the place of worship. By ligh ng the candles, you show those who worship that God is present in this house. When you ex nguish the candles at the end of the service, you are signifying that the Holy Spirit is leaving the place of worship in everyone s hearts. Ligh ng and ex nguishing the candles generally indicates the start and the end of a worship service. Acolytes dress in robes, quietly carry torches, crosses, thuribles, alms basins and cruets. A vital part of worship, they blend into the background helping our liturgies flow smoothly, and rejoicing in the privilege to serve at God s altar. If you are interested in serving as an Acolyte, or you have children that you feel might wish to serve in this role, please speak with Pastor Daugs. J.A.M is in need of some dona ons of items like: Gummy Treats Crackers Cookies Fruit Leather or similar goodies, (nothing with nuts please) for our J.A.M. Jesus And Me! Sunday School Class. Pre packaged, single serving containers work very well in this ministry. Please leave your dona ons in the kitchen marked J.A.M. Thank you!!! Ministers: The Congrega on Presiding: Pastor Daugs Dir. Of Music: Janet McIntosh Organist: Gail Grubbs Altar Guild / Bread: NA No Communion Acolyte: Taylor McLuen Altar Flowers: NA Assis ng Minister: Robbie Giles Communion Assist: NA No Communion Counters: Carolyn Todd Julie Spangler Fellowship: Marilyn & Jack Mastro Ben & Shannon McLuen Louise Mowrer Steve & Carol Nelson Greeter: Paul & Kathy Kwiatkowski J.A.M. Leader: Carolyn Todd J.A.M. Assistant: Julie Spangler Reader: Barbara Taylor Ushers: Vern Kinnison Cody Wendt Noell Swearingen Mitzi Houska Craig Greenwalt

10 The Membership Ques on of the Month (aka MQM) is a fun and painless way to get helpful informa on (on a wide variety of topics) to the Church Office. Over the life of this program, the staff in the church office have gathered the congrega ons thoughts, ideas, and feedback on things such as new church publica on formats, par cipa on in church programs like comple on of Time and Talent Surveys, what format of worship bulle ns are preferred, and it has been a great asset in gathering current contact informa on such as full names, phone numbers, addresses, etc. How does it work? Every month or so there is a new MQM printed on the Welcome! Card inserted in your worship bulle n. All who supply a completed card and a reliable MQM answer is entered into a drawing. The winner of the random drawing receives recogni on in all our church publica ons and a prize! The drawing takes place when we move on to a new ques on (about every 4 6 weeks). Your par cipa on in this program is sincerely appreciated, as it gives the church office staff valuable informa on to help us do our job be er for you. Congratula ons to our latest MQM Winner! June Kirchmeier This rounds ques on: A er lis ng your FULL name, and maiden name if you have one, who is your favorite hero (or superhero)? What was June s answer? You might want to single her out during Fellowship Hour this Sunday and ask her! What a great conversa on starter! June, your MQM prize is on the file cabinet in the church workroom for you to pick up! Thanks again! Featured in THIS issue, # , of the Emphasis: Weekly Edi on: Special Stories of Christmas Financially Speaking... ELCW News! Devo ons! Just for You! Mid Week Advent at Emmanuel Meet our Members Congratula ons! MQM Winner! June Kirchmeier! Plus our regular features: Ed Opps Quick List of Emmanuel Happenings Servant SCOPE